Article

We examined the effect of switching from a familiar to an unfamiliar
setting on household task performance in healthy adults. We also examined the
influence of the cognitive functions abstract reasoning and memory on the ability
to adapt to different environments. METHOD: Thirty healthy adults were observed
in two different settings while they performed two daily tasks. We evaluated
process skill abilities in task performance, time needed to perform each task,
memory functioning, and abstract reasoning. RESULTS: Performance of both tasks
required significantly more time in the unfamiliar kitchen. Scores on process
skill abilities were significantly lower in the unfamiliar kitchen. We found no
associations between environmental effects and abstract reasoning or memory.
CONCLUSION: We found environmental effects on task performance in healthy adults.
These findings have important implications for rehabilitation practice.
Addressing facilitation of transfer of training effects to familiar environments
is of great importance to rehabilitation programs.

Langue : ANGLAIS